Following the recitation of the Regina Caeli, Pope Leo recalls the three years since the beginning of the conflict in Sudan, renewing his appeal to stop “this fratricidal war as soon as possible.” He then offers wishes of peace to the Eastern Churches that celebrate Easter according to the Julian calendar and urges people not to forget the Ukrainian and Lebanese peoples. Finally, he asks for prayers for his apostolic journey to Africa that starts tomorrow April 13.
By Edoardo Giribaldi From this premise came the exhortation of Pope Leo XIV delivered this morning, April 12, as he addressed the faithful gathered in Saint Peter’s Square following the recitation of the Regina Caeli. Keeping attention on tragedy of the war in Ukraine The Pope extended his wishes for peace, “in communion of faith in the Risen Lord,” to the Eastern Churches that today celebrate Easter according to the Julian calendar. His prayers also focused on those suffering due to wars and especially “for the dear people of Ukraine.” Pain, fear, and hope in Lebanon From Europe to the Middle East, Leo XIV reflected on “these days of sorrow, fear,” but also of “unwavering hope in God,” experienced by the “beloved” people of Lebanon. “How much the Sudanese people are suffering” Continuing this symbolic journey around the world, the Pope then turned his gaze to Africa, recalling that Wednesday, April 15, marks three years since the beginning of the “bloody” conflict in Sudan. The Pope renewed his invitation to the warring parties to lay down their arms and begin, “without preconditions, a sincere dialogue aimed at ending this fratricidal war as soon as possible.” Prayers for the Apostolic Journey After greeting the groups of pilgrims present in Saint Peter’s Square, the Pope asked to be accompanied in prayer for his Apostolic Journey that will begin tomorrow, April 13, and will include four African countries: Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.